About Our Program

The Commercial Applicator I Certificate provides hands on training in equipment operation and maintenance, educates students about basic crop production, and prepares students to pass the Illinois Commercial Pesticide Operator License exam. Upon completion of the Commercial Applicator I Certificate, students may enter the workforce or they may continue on to complete the Commercial Applicator II Certificate.

Nature of Work and Employment

Students completing this certificate degree may obtain entry level employment as a chemical operator for an agricultural crop supply company.

Special Considerations

All students enrolled are required to complete a workplace experience before graduating. Students are strongly encouraged to seek the advice of an agriculture instructor or an advisor to assist with class schedules, workplace experiences, scholarship opportunities, and employment placement.

Requirements

Plan of Study Grid

First Semester		Hours
LIBS 199	First-Year Experience Seminar	2
AGOC 108	Comm Applicator Operations	2
AGOC 109	Pesticide License Training I	2
AGOC 127	Forage Production	2
AGOC 227	Corn/Soybean Production	2
AGOC 140	Agriculture Equipment Maint	3
	Hours	13
	Total Hours	13

Program Outcomes

• Utilize spray application equipment and technology.
• Study production practices of corn, soybeans, and forage.
• Use troubleshooting techniques to solve common mechanical failures.
• Secure an Illinois Commercial Pesticide Applicator License.

Program Contacts

Call Highland at 815-235-6121 for the following program contacts:

• Dr. Matt Magee, Dean of Agriculture, Business & Technology
• Justin Ebert, Agriculture Instructor
• Olivia Kepner, Agriculture Instructor
• Monica Pierce, Agriculture Instructor
• Vicki Schulz, Student Advisor/Transfer Coordinator